At what intervals should the APGAR score be assessed in a newborn?

The APGAR score is a quick assessment tool used to evaluate a newborn's physical condition immediately after birth. It assesses five criteria: appearance, pulse, grimace response, activity, and respiration, with each receiving a score of 0 to 2. This scoring typically occurs at specific intervals to monitor the newborn's transition to extrauterine life.

The standard practice is to assess the APGAR score at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth. This allows healthcare providers to gauge the newborn's initial adaptation to the environment and identify those who may require further medical intervention. If the score remains low at 5 minutes, additional assessments may be performed at later intervals, but the primary focus is on the 1-minute and 5-minute marks.

By utilizing this two-time assessment approach, medical personnel can effectively monitor the infant's responsiveness and overall health during the crucial early moments after birth.